How much Gravel Do I Need?

Use our free gravel calculator to find exactly how much material you need for your project. Enter your dimensions below to get instant results in tons and cubic yards, with real time pricing and delivery options for your area. Most orders start at $451 for 3 tons delivered.

How to Calculate Gravel

Figuring out how much gravel you need comes down to a simple formula: multiply your project’s length, width, and depth to get the volume, then convert to the units suppliers use (tons or cubic yards).

The basic formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (ft) ÷ 27 = Cubic Yards

To convert to tons: Cubic Yards × 1.4 = Tons (approximate for most gravel types)

For example, a 20 ft × 10 ft driveway area at 4 inches deep: 20 × 10 × 0.33 ÷ 27 = 2.4 cubic yards, or about 3.4 tons of gravel.

Why overage matters: We recommend adding extra material to account for compaction, spreading loss, and uneven ground. Gravel can settle and compact by 20 to 30% after installation, especially in high traffic areas. For orders under 5 tons, add 20% extra. For orders of 5 tons or more, 10% extra is usually sufficient. Our calculator automatically factors in recommended overage based on your order size.

Gravel Coverage Chart

Not sure how deep to go? Use this chart to estimate coverage based on your project depth. These figures assume standard crushed stone at typical density. Coverage can vary slightly by gravel type and compaction.

Depth	Sq Ft per Ton	Sq Ft per Cubic Yard	Common Uses
2 inches	~100 sq ft	~160 sq ft	Walkways, light decorative cover
3 inches	~65 sq ft	~108 sq ft	Patios, garden paths
4 inches	~50 sq ft	~80 sq ft	Driveways, parking areas
6 inches	~35 sq ft	~54 sq ft	Heavy traffic, drainage base

Choosing the Right Gravel Type

Different projects call for different materials. Here’s what works best for the most common applications, and what most of our customers order.

Driveway Gravel

For driveways, you want 3/4″ to 1″ crushed stone. The angular edges lock together when compacted, creating a stable surface that holds up to vehicle traffic and drains well. Plan for 4 to 6 inches total depth: a 2 inch compacted base layer plus 2 to 4 inches of surface gravel. Most of our driveway customers order between 5 and 10 tons. See our driveway gravel.

Walkway and Patio Gravel

Smaller stone works better for foot traffic. Our 3/8″ crushed stone or pea gravel are comfortable underfoot and give a polished, decorative look. A 2 to 3 inch depth is plenty for walkways and patios. The rounded pea gravel offers a softer feel, while crushed stone stays put better on slopes. See our walkway gravel.

Drainage Applications

French drains, catch basins, and other drainage projects need larger stone with plenty of gaps for water to flow through. Our 1 1/2″ drain rock or #57 crushed stone won’t clog with sediment the way smaller gravel can. For french drains, plan for 6 to 12 inches of depth depending on your drainage needs.

Base and Foundation

If you’re building a base for a patio, shed, or other structure, road base (also called crusher run or Class 5) is your best bet. It’s a mix of crushed stone and fine particles that compacts into a rock solid foundation. The fines fill gaps and bind everything together, so it won’t shift over time. Use 4 to 6 inches for most residential projects.or 3 tons, which includes free dump truck delivery. Enter your zip code in the calculator above to see exact pricing for your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravel do I need?

Measure your project area (length × width) and decide on depth based on your application: 2 to 3 inches for walkways, 4 to 6 inches for driveways. Plug those numbers into our calculator above for instant results in tons and cubic yards. We recommend adding 10 to 20% extra to account for compaction and uneven ground.

How many tons of gravel are in a cubic yard?

About 1.4 tons per cubic yard for most gravel types. Pea gravel and standard crushed stone typically run 1.4 tons per yard, while denser materials like river rock can reach 1.5 to 1.6 tons per yard. Our calculator handles these conversions automatically based on the material you select.

How much area does 1 ton of gravel cover?

It depends on depth. At 2 inches deep, one ton covers roughly 100 square feet. At 4 inches deep, that drops to about 50 square feet. Check the coverage chart above for a quick reference.

What’s the best gravel for a driveway?

3/4″ crushed stone is the go to choice for driveways. The angular edges interlock when compacted, creating a stable driving surface that won’t rut or wash away. It also drains well, which prevents puddles and ice buildup. Our 3/4″ crushed stone starts at $504 for 3 tons delivered.

How deep should gravel be for a driveway?

Plan for 4 to 6 inches total. A typical approach is a 2 inch compacted base layer topped with 2 to 4 inches of surface gravel. Heavy traffic areas or soft soil may need up to 8 inches. When in doubt, go deeper. It’s easier than fixing ruts later.

How much does gravel cost?

Material costs range from $120 to $314 per ton before delivery, depending on the type. Crushed stone runs $120 to $255 per ton, pea gravel $160 to $260, and river rock $184 to $314. Our delivered orders start at $451 for 3 tons, which includes free dump truck delivery. Enter your zip code in the calculator above to see exact pricing for your area.

How fast can I get gravel delivered?

Most orders ship within 2 business days via dump truck. You choose your delivery date at checkout, and we coordinate with local suppliers in our nationwide network to get your material there on time.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

A well installed gravel driveway can last 100 years or more with proper maintenance. The key is starting with the right depth (4 to 6 inches), using angular crushed stone that locks together, and topping it off every few years as needed. Most homeowners add a fresh layer of gravel every 3 to 5 years to keep things looking sharp.

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Ready to order? Use the calculator above to get your exact quantity and see real time pricing with delivery options. Questions? Our team is here to help. Call us or request a callback from one of our material specialists.

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